Spread of Disease O’Connor

Infectious diseases spread through two types of contact Direct contact Indirect contact

How Diseases are Transmitted Before looking at ways to prevent the spread of disease, it is helpful to know the ways diseases are transmitted. Diseases are caused by germs, which are transmitted from one person to another through the air urine and feces blood saliva skin drainage, such as nasal mucus or pus from open sores

Direct contact- person to person – Ex. STD’s, shaking hands, kissing

Indirect Contact- Object to person –Ex. Sharing drinks, sharing needles, doorknobs, shopping cart handles, under cooked or raw foods.

Airborn- Bacteria in the air –Ex. Sneezing, air vents

Vector- carried by a host. –Ex. Dog, mice, rat, fleas, tics,

Airborn Vector- carried by a flying host. –Ex. Mosquitos, bats, birds, pigeons

Preventing the Spread of Infectious Disease The single most important way ~ frequent hand washing !! Avoid close contact with people who are infected. Use tissues if you have a cold or flu & throw them away or cough into elbow not hand. Don’t touch other people’s blood or body fluids (e.g. soiled tissues, band-aides,etc). Don't share toothbrushes, eating utensils, drinks, etc. Abstain from sexual contact (or reduce risk by a monogamous mutually faithful relationship & use of condoms). Don't use intravenous drugs or get tattoos. Treatment of a pregnant woman can reduce the risk of infecting her baby.

What defenses does your body have that can prevent you from getting sick, even when you have been exposed to a pathogen? the skin and mucous membranes chemicals such as acid in the stomach inflammation phagocytic cells

Not all Created Equal Different diseases pose different risks. Some require bodily fluid exposure (AIDS) Others can live on inanimate objects like door handles for long periods of time